Author: Tim Janssen

Seeing Is Believing – Enhance Your Business with Glass

As a business owner, you take pride in helping the customers you serve each and every day. Whether you are a small business store selling clothing, candy, or computer equipment, the appeal of your store for consumers can be the difference between them stopping in and potentially converting into sales, or simply passing you by. 

Glass Doors and Windows Increase Foot Traffic

If your business relies on foot traffic, having glass doors at the entrance of your building or in front of your store, will help to pull those feet inside. It’s easy. Interest in your products starts with the eyes. If no one can see what you sell, you’ve just lost potential customers. The fact that the door is glass makes it possible to tempt that passerby to come see what caught their eye. By installing a glass door, you will be able to display your most popular or newest products immediately to those who are passing by. This is especially helpful for businesses that continually change their product offerings for varying seasons or holidays. 

Glass Doors Make Your Business More Attractive

Let’s face it. When a customer comes to your business, one of the most noticeable features is the front entrance. Every customer has to physically walk through the entrance to be able to explore the goods that you offer inside (we’re talking brick and mortar businesses here, obviously). You have to make a good first impression. You want to make it as inviting as possible to your type of customers. Because they are clear, glass doors have the added benefit of providing natural light which creates a welcoming ambiance that will beckon them inside. There are many different types of glass doors, so you can customize the look to fit what your business is about. From sleek and modern to country chic, your doors can say much more than you think. 

Glass Doors and Windows Help Signal That Your Store Is Popular

Another benefit is that with glass doors, other people will be able to see that your store is becoming popular when people shop there. Stores that appear busy will attract more shoppers, because they will be victims of FOMO (fear of missing out). All they have to do is look inside to see not only what you sell, but that it’s popular too.

Here at Janssen Glass, we specialize in providing beautiful and often elegant doors and windows for our commercial clients. We are happy to work with your business to install the perfect style door or windows that really speak to your customers and increase foot traffic and sales.

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri.

Top 4 Master Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes

 

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, make sure you do it right. There are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. At Janssen Glass & Door, we know a thing or two about bathroom remodels. We design and install custom shower enclosures in Kansas City and we’ve been called in to fix a few homeowner missteps. We’ve also heard a lot of coulda, woulda, shoulda stories from homeowners as well. Here are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

Not Going with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

Heavy glass shower doors, sometimes called frameless shower doors are made from a thicker, heavier glass so they don’t depend on the frame for strength. Frameless glass is the most modern look you can get. It’s more beautiful because there’s less hardware (tracks and frames) and it creates a sleeker, more updated feel. If you’re updating or upgrading your bathroom, it doesn’t make sense to put outdated framed shower doors into a modern environment. We’ve heard more than one homeowner lament that they wished they’d have spent the extra money especially when the upgrade was to the master bathroom.

Keeping the Tub That You Never Use

Tubs are common in all bathrooms, but many times, they’re rarely used. There’s no rule that says you have to have a tub in your bathroom. If you’re a soaker, by all means, keep it! But if you hardly use it, why not repurpose that space to create a luxury master shower that you’ll use and enjoy every day? Trust us, you’ll never miss it if you don’t use it anyway. Tear it out and make space for a zero-entry shower enclosure that meets all of your needs. Add a comfortable built-in bench, beautiful tile, multiple shower heads, or even a steam shower. The possibilities are endless when you free yourself from the tub idea.

Not Making the Shower Larger

Just because your shower is the size it is doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Sometimes, reconfiguring the room will create an entirely new layout that makes more room for expanding the shower enclosure. Many homeowners get rid of the tub altogether or remove walls to free the commode from its tiny room and the result is a more open, airy, spacious, spa-like design. If you’re updating, now is the time to rethink everything – walls, tubs, windows, everything!

Not Updating the Tile in the Shower

This one is critical if your remodel is on a house over 30 years old. Back in the 90s, plain old tile was par for the course. Small, uniform, basic tile was the norm. Today’s showers are stunningly beautiful with coordinating tile patterns, soap and shampoo coves in the design, built-in benches, etc. If you update your shower doors, but still have the old white ceramic soap holder hanging on the wall, you haven’t really updated your shower. It’s like leaving the old white ceramic toilet paper holder and towel bars on the walls. Make sure you update everything. Otherwise, your remodel will look half-done.

We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. We can help you choose the right shower doors and a lot more. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

Top 4 Reasons to Go with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you look at any newly built or modern home, you’ll notice one thing about the bathroom shower doors – they’re frameless. A quick trip down the timeline will give you a snapshot of their history, how they came to be, and why people love them so much.

History of Frameless Shower Doors
Glass shower doors didn’t become popular until the early 1960s. Frameless glass became possible with the invention of tempered glass (which was much more durable and therefore safer than standard glass) but these large panes of glass required a metal frame to add stiffness and stability. Prior to that, most people bathed in tubs and used a fabric curtain for privacy. Then, it wasn’t until the invention of heavy glass in the early 1970s that frameless glass shower doors became available. They were rare and mainly found in upper class homes. Fast forward to the turn of the century and heavy glass finally made its way into the mainstream. By 2010, it was not uncommon to see heavy glass shower doors in new homes and used to update older homes in remodeling projects.

What Is Heavy Glass?
Shower doors used to be made of thin and flexible glass. They required a metal frame for support and safety. Heavy glass is significantly thicker (3/8” to 1/2” thick). Because they are thicker, “heavier”, and more rigid, they can stand alone without flexing and breaking. There is no wiggling when they are opened and closed. But there are plenty of other reasons you’ll love heavy glass shower doors:

  1. Framed Shower Doors Look Dated
    If your goal is to update your bathroom, installing framed shower doors is like taking a step back in time – the opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish. Heavy glass shower doors will create a sleek, modern look and will keep it looking current for the next decade or two. But that’s not the only advantage.

  2. Less Hardware Provides a Sleeker Look
    Unlike thin glass doors, heavy glass doors need much less hardware. Instead of a frame all the way around them, all that is required is simple clips, handles, and channels. Minimal hardware almost makes the doors disappear from a design standpoint. This is also beneficial if you have upgraded your tile work. Now it is clearly on display and it becomes the focus, not the hardware.

  3. Frameless Shower Doors Make Bathrooms Feel Bigger
    Heavy glass doors will give your bathroom more of a modern look but that is not the biggest impact they have. Installing heavy glass will give an open feeling and actually make the bathroom seem bigger than before. The lack of a frame really opens the space up visually and can make cramped rooms feel more open and average size bathrooms feel spacious. The smaller the room, the bigger the impact.

  4. Heavy Glass Shower Doors Are Easier to Clean
    Frameless designs also make cleaning a breeze. No more gunky, moldy tracks to try to get into. There is less mold, mildew, and even fewer water spots because the smooth surface of the glass doesn’t provide anywhere for them to accumulate.

If you’re updating your bathroom, we highly recommend heavy glass shower doors. We have many beautiful styles to choose from. Give us a call and we can help you decide which ones work best for your remodel or addition. We can also custom design a shower enclosure to fit your space perfectly. 

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

It’s Okay to Snub the Tub in Your Bathroom Remodel

 

 

 

 

 

Until the early 1960s bathtubs ruled the world! Showers (the kind we know today with no tub) weren’t even invented yet. The showerhead was simply the next improvement to the tub. The tub was always there to catch the shower water. It makes sense. People needed a way to collect water to bathe (which they didn’t do nearly as often in the good old days). Let’s face it, it was a hassle to warm the water, pour it in the tub, and bathe before it got too cold. Indoor plumbing helped a lot, but still, it was the bathtub that reigned supreme in every bathroom.

Reasons for the No-Tub Trend

Flash forward to today. Not many people even take baths anymore. Most take a quick, convenient shower and rush off to work. So, it begs the question: Do we really need a bathtub in the bathroom anymore? Apparently, many people believe we don’t. In recent years there has been a trend toward removing the bathtub altogether especially from the master bath. What are the reasons behind this trend?

Increased Accessibility

One of the factors is related to an aging population of baby boomers. Tubs can be hard to get into and out of for older people who are less flexible and less mobile. This group (and it is a large group) has opted many times to replace a large tub with a more accessible shower. Showers are easier to navigate and can even accommodate wheelchairs if they are built to be zero entry. Many boomers are choosing to “age in place” and are changing their homes to meet their needs.

More Space

Big soaking tubs take up a lot of floor space. Some homeowners are trading in their tubs to make room for more counter space, dual face bowls, a more open room, and even luxury showers. If you have a large tub and never use it, it’s really not an asset. It’s just wasted space.

Busy Lifestyles

Today’s lifestyles are much busier than they were decades ago when most homes were built. Most people don’t have the time for a long, leisurely soak in a large tub. The large jetted tubs that were all the rage 20, 30, and 40 years ago, just don’t have the same appeal.

Luxury Showers 

As time marches on, more and more homeowners are replacing their tubs with luxury showers. These enclosures are larger, brighter, feature heavy glass shower doors and beautiful tile work with built-in nooks for shampoo bottles and integrated benches for seating. Along with upgraded features like multiple heads, steam features, audio systems, aromatherapy and so much more, these showers deliver as luxurious an experience as any bathtub.

It’s hard to say what will come next as lifestyles and technology bring new changes, but if you’re considering a bathroom remodel, don’t be afraid to snub the tub and go all-in on a luxury shower. Frankly, after centuries of bathtubs taking center stage, it’s about time the shower got its day in the spotlight.  

If you’re updating your bathroom, we highly recommend heavy glass shower doors. We have many beautiful styles to choose from. We can also custom design a shower enclosure to fit your space perfectly. 

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

Not Ready to Give Up Your Patio Time? Here are a few ways to extend your time.

Just because the weather gets cooler in the fall, here in the Kansas City area, you don’t have to sacrifice time outdoors! Consider adding glass to enhance your patio. There are many ways to add glass to your patio that will add to its beauty and functionality. Glass also makes an excellent windbreak without obstructing your view. Envision trying one of the following four ideas in your backyard. It may just make your patio your favorite place to be in the fall season.

Make the Entrance to Your Patio a Sliding Glass Wall

sliding glass wall for patio

A sliding wall that opens to a back patio is a great way to extend your living area both visually and literally. By replacing the wall with movable glass, you naturally extend your home to the outside by removing any physical barriers. Imagine the ease of entertaining and how wonderful your next family gathering would be with the addition of a sliding glass wall.

Fire Pit Wind Guards Allow You to Enjoy the Warmth No Matter the Wind

glass wind guard for fire pit

Fire pits have become an extremely popular staple in many backyards, especially on cool nights. But sometimes cool nights are windy nights which disturb your fire.

The perfect solution is a glass wind guard that perfectly surrounds your fire pit. Enjoy the fire pit, reap the warmth, and assure that the flames stay in place.

Enclosed Patios Protect from Rain, Wind & Cold

Enclosing part or all of your patio with glass would give you longer periods of use assuring that you are still able to enjoy the outdoors, even when it’s rainy, windy or cool. Glass patio enclosures are attractive, leave the view intact, and add value to your home.

Glass Pergolas Add a Touch of Class

glass pergola for patio


Glass pergolas are an attractive alternative to the very popular wooden models. They add a unique beauty to your backyard, can protect from the sun and rain, and can be custom designed to your personal taste. Yet, because they are glass, they let the light through making the entire area seem unencumbered by architecture.

The experts at Janssen Glass & Door are ready to work with you to help enhance your outdoor living space and extend your patio season. Being specialists at customization, we will create beautiful glass pieces to fit your needs.

Call the experts at Janssen at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online and let us put our expertise to work for you.

Framed vs Frameless

 

 

 

 

If you’re updating an existing bathroom, or perhaps remodeling and adding a bathroom to your home, you’re going to have to make a decision about shower doors. Your biggest decision will be which type – framed or frameless (sometimes called heavy glass shower doors). Both have their advantages and disadvantages and we’ve compared the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision. Take a look at the information below, then give Janssen Glass & Door a call for expert installation. 

Framed Glass Shower Doors

PROS

More Affordable – on average, frameless glass shower doors will cost 2-3 times what framed glass shower doors cost. To give you some rough numbers to budget with, 60-inch framed doors installed will run $400 – $500. 60-inch frameless doors will cost $1,000 – $1,500 installed. 

More Watertight – framed glass shower doors are less likely to leak. They have a track along the base that traps water, plus  a layer of caulk. They also have a metal frame against the wall which is also caulked to prevent leaking.

Easier to Install – to install a framed glass shower door, you must attach the frame to the opening. Framed glass doors can fit over almost any type of shower material. 

CONS

Frames May Corrode – the frames are made from various metals and can corrode, discolor, or even pit over time. 

Not as Attractive – framed glass shower doors are considered more basic, traditional, and less attractive than frameless doors.

Higher Maintenance – framed doors, by nature, are surrounded by frames and slide on or fit into a track. This track can collect water, mold, mildew, and soap scum and is difficult to clean and keep clean.

Frameless Glass Shower Doors 

PROS

Many Custom Styles – with the emphasis being more on aesthetics, frameless styles have many unique and custom styles available to choose from.

Upscale Appearance – because they lack a frame and require less hardware, frameless doors have a sleeker, more minimalist look which also helps keep the focus on any beautiful new tile work in your shower.

More Modern – from an aesthetics or decor standpoint, frameless doors are considered a more modern design choice.

Low Maintenance – with no tracks and less hardware, they are easier to keep clean.

Less Metal to Corrode – there are few metal pieces of hardware to corrode over time.

Wider Range of Motion: The hinges for your frameless shower door can pivot allowing the door to swing both outward and inward unlike framed shower doors that only swing one direction.

CONS

More Expensive – heavy glass is thicker than regular glass and is more expensive.

More Complicated Installation – it is recommended to have professional installation with frameless doors because they may need to drill certain tile materials to set up the hinges. If you don’t have the right tools, you could do more damage than good.

More Susceptible to Leaking – frameless doors have small openings that aren’t sealed with a frame or caulk. You have to be careful that the water isn’t angled to hit these openings directly. Children might need reminding.  

Conclusion

In our opinion, it really comes down to look and price. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stick with a framed door. If the bathroom will be used by mostly children, a framed door may keep water in better. But if you are looking to update or upgrade a bathroom, especially a master bathroom, we recommend spending the extra money to get the results you’ll like for years to come. If you’re updating, why put in something that’s already considered outdated by many? 

If you need help deciding, we’ll be happy to answer any questions to help you figure out what’s best for you and your budget. Visit our shower door design gallery online. We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom

Best Frameless Shower Door Installation in Kansas City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Janssen Glass, we love installing frameless shower doors. We love the way they make homes look. We are proud of our vast selection of doors and styles to choose from. We love the reactions from our customers when we’re finished. We love designing custom showers. We love making sure they’re installed the right way. But most of all, we love helping people. Whether you’re remodeling your old bathroom or adding a new bathroom, talk to the experts at Janssen Glass & Door. We will make the whole process a breeze. 

Great Selection of Shower Doors

First of all, we have a great selection of framed and frameless shower doors to choose from. Today, with all of the glass choices in color, design, and configuration, you can create beautiful showers that actually become the centerpiece of your bathroom. From clear glass to elaborate patterns, with Janssen Glass, we’re going to make it look great!

Professional Installation

We have been designing and installing glass shower doors for almost four decades. We  have a great reputation in Kansas City. Ask around. From framed to frameless, from sliding doors to swinging doors to door and panel enclosures, from small showers to shower rooms, basic to custom designed, we do it all! 

Custom Shower Designs

Speaking of custom designs, we can help fit a shower into a small bathroom, expand a small shower to create a luxury shower with multiple heads, built-in benches, shampoo nooks, and more, or even replace your underused bathtub with a shower. You tell us what you’re thinking and we’ll custom design a shower you’ll love. 

Shower Glass Repairs

We even do glass repairs for shower doors. We have an in-house shop where we cut any glass you need to size and bring it to your home to install. 

Whether you’re just updating from framed to frameless, or you need a whole new bathroom and shower redesign, call us and we’ll help you design the bathroom of your dreams. 

Visit our shower door design gallery online. We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

The Case for Frameless Shower Doors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So you’ve decided to update or remodel your bathroom. That’s a great idea! Real estate agents will tell you that bathrooms and kitchens are the first rooms to date a home and the most important for resale. Now you find yourself considering shower doors. You could go with framed shower doors (most likely just like what you had in your bathroom before) or choose frameless shower doors. Which one should you go with? We get this question a lot with our customers. Let us give you some guidance.

If You’re Updating, Go with Frameless

If your bathroom was outdated and you’re trying to bring it into the 21st century, the last thing you want to do is spend the money to install something that will give it an outdated look. Don’t go backward in time if your goal is to update the room. 

If You’re Upgrading, Go with Frameless

This holds true especially for master bathrooms where a bit more luxury might be expected. If you’re upgrading things like fixtures and faucets, it would be a mistake to forget about the shower doors. You may even want to consider replacing your rarely used tub with a larger, luxury shower. That is one of the latest trends we’re seeing in  bathroom remodels.

If You’re Thinking about Resale, Go with Frameless

Bathrooms and kitchens are the rooms that make or break a home sale. If you’re planning on selling in the next decade or less, don’t settle for an outdated look now or you’ll really be sorry in ten years. 

If You’re Looking at Cost Only, Go with Framed

If you are simply looking to replace a shower because it is not working properly and you have no interest in updating or upgrading your bathroom, cost may be your biggest concern. In this case, replacing the shower door with a framed shower door won’t change the look of your bathroom or detract from its current state. Save the money and go with a framed glass door.

That’s the best advice we can give you. Yes, frameless glass shower doors are more expensive than traditional framed doors. But you get what you pay for. As far as quality goes, both are fine and will do the job they are designed to do. But when it comes to how it looks, frameless doors win every time. We hope that helps with the decision-making process.

Visit our shower door design gallery online. We design custom shower enclosures for our customers every day, so talk to us before you make any mistakes. Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 in Kansas and (816) 472-5330 in Missouri when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom.

How to Differentiate Your Bathroom Using Tile

Your bathroom is your escape from the loud, fast-paced world. It’s where you are able to unwind and focus on yourself for a few minutes. So make the most of your bathroom by creating an inviting and relaxing space. How? Try creating the right shower with tile and we are sure the rest of your bathroom design will fall into place.

Traditional Shower TileGo Traditional with Subway Tile

From all subway tiles to glass tiles, try experimenting with a look that will work for you. Installing all glazed white subway tile will create a clean, simple, and traditional look and feel. Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tile all create a classic feel.

Mosaic Shower TileAccent with Glass Tile

Using glass mosaic tiles can create a more unique style that can help to incorporate a color scheme. From small, transparent mosaics to larger, opaque, shimmery tiles, there is an option for every style. Glass tile is usually suitable for both walls and countertops, so you can use it throughout your bathroom for the perfect accent tile. For example, use bright inserts of glass mosaic tile to update traditional, simple glazed tile. Use it to add a border or frame your shower shelving with glass mosaic tile. Further, multicolored mosaic tile patterns can provide textural and visual interest to any area of your bathroom.

Related Read: Updating Your Bathroom Is a Safe Investment

Stone Tile ShowerGo Natural with Stone Tiles

For a more natural look, go for stone tiles. Marble, limestone, travertine, and slate are all great choices. Pick from an array of tile sizes and colors. Go with a beige or sand colored stone for a lighter look, or a dark gray or blue stone for a deeper, richer look. You can even choose porcelain tile that looks like stone. Both come in a large range of shapes and colors for a customized look.

Show It Off with Heavy Glass Shower Doors

Whatever tiles you choose, make sure to show it off with beautiful heavy glass shower doors from Janssen Glass. Seamless glass shower doors are less obtrusive, and allow for a more tranquil and open view of your bathroom. Less clutter is good for the mind, and helps you relax – just want you want to be able to do in your bathroom.
Call the glass shower door experts to help finish off your dream bathroom at Janssen Glass & Door. You can reach us at (913) 677-5727.

5 Creative Ways to Incorporate Glass into Your Outdoor Space

pivoting glass doors for patio

If you’re looking for a way to make your patio stand out, consider adding some custom glass features. Yes, glass! Believe it or not, there are a number of ways glass can help you put your own personal stamp on your patio, taking it from ordinary to unexpectedly extraordinary.

Don’t believe us? Give some thought to these 5 creative ways of using glass on a patio and you’ll begin to get an idea of what we’re talking about when we say that glass can take your patio up a notch.

1. Glass “Walls”

custom glass lit with led lightsYour patio or porch is like an extension of your home, so treat it like one.

This creative patio design uses sandblasted glass and LED lights to create an enclosed space that offers privacy by day and a spark of colorful drama by night.

2. Pivoting Glass Doors

Rather than the usual sliding glass or French doors connecting your living space to your patio, open up the inside of your home to the great outdoors by installing pivoting glass doors. Blur the space between indoors and outdoors and add an unexpected modern flair to a patio that’s right off the house.

 

3. Frosted Glass Patio Cover

Frosted Glass Patio CoverA patio cover is a great way to allow you to stay on the patio even when an occasional rain shower passes through.

But instead of shading the area with a solid cover, consider using frosted glass panels in a wooden frame to allow some filtered light to come through, keeping the patio or deck bright and welcoming even on a partly cloudy day.

This will allow you to enjoy a panoramic view from any vantage point on your back patio.

 

4. Glass Pool Surround

frameless glass pool wallYour scenic backyard shouldn’t be closed off with a bulky barrier around your pool, don’t obstruct it with a heavy wood or steel railing.

Use custom glass railings to enclose your pool instead of a solid or chain-link fence. This contemporary tempered glass enclosure creates a clean, modern effect for your outdoor living space.

And don’t worry about glass railings being more fragile, we use special safety glass for these projects, which is extremely strong. If it is somehow broken, it crumbles safely into large, round chunks instead of splintering into jagged edges like normal glass.

 

5. Glass-Topped Patio Table

glass table top for patio tableIt’s amazing to see how many creative ideas for table bases people can come up with, and there’s no better way to show off a unique table base than with a custom-cut glass top.

Instead of going with a store-bought patio table, make yours one-of-a-kind and special!

We can make a glass table top to lay over an existing table, which helps create more stability for food and drink to sit on, or we can cut an entirely independent glass piece for a completely unique look.

We can also create any glass edge type you’d like to complete your custom glass table.

If you have an idea for a special glass patio feature or enhancement, call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727. We serve the entire KC Metro and provide a custom glass shop with experienced craftsmen and designers ready to turn your unique glass visions into reality!